Collapsible cargo organizer

ABSTRACT

Described is a cargo apparatus ( 10 ) including a base ( 16 ) having at least one end ( 30 ) and at least one side ( 28 ), with the at least one end having at least one laterally inside post ( 20 ) extending therefrom, and with the at least one side having at least one laterally outside post ( 18 ) extending therefrom. At least one end bracket ( 24 ) and at least one side bracket ( 22 ) are pivotably and translatably mounted to the base, wherein the brackets each have at least one support leg ( 38, 44 ) with a mounting end ( 42, 48 ). The mounting end pivotably mounts to its respective post on the base between open and closed positions and also translatably mounts to its respective post between an unlocked position distal the post and a locked position proximal the post, whereby the apparatus is collapsible to a closed portable position, and is foldable to a sturdy, open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional patent application of, and claimspriority to, prior application Ser. No. 10/766,047, filed Jan. 28, 2004,entitled COLLAPSIBLE CARGO ORGANIZER, by the inventor hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to receptacles having foldable sections.In particular the invention pertains to a collapsible cargo containerfor a cargo compartment of a transportation apparatus such as for atrunk of a car or a bed of a pick-up truck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transportation vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, watercraft,aircraft, and the like are typically provided with cargo compartments ofsome kind. For example, cars have trunks, vans and wagons have storageareas behind rear seats, and pick-up trucks have beds. Such cargocompartments are often used to carry and transport cargo items that mayshift during transport if not restrained in some manner. Various methodsand devices for restraining and organizing cargo items within such cargoareas have been proposed. Unfortunately, however, such methods anddevices involve unnecessarily intricate designs, flimsy construction,and complicated operation.

There is a need for an improved apparatus for containing, restraining,and organizing cargo items within a transportation vehicle.

There is a need to provide such an apparatus that is collapsible from anopen position to a closed position, removable from a cargo area, andportable between cargo areas or storage.

There is a need for such an apparatus that is of relatively inexpensivedesign and robust construction from commercially available components,and that is easy to use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedapparatus for containing, restraining, and organizing cargo items thathas end brackets and side brackets that are collapsible from an openposition to a closed position, such that the apparatus is removable froma cargo area and portable between cargo areas or storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described is a cargo apparatus including a base having at least one endand at least one side, wherein the at least one end has at least onelaterally inside post extending therefrom, and the at least one side hasat least one laterally outside post extending therefrom. The at leastone laterally outside post is positioned laterally outside with respectto the at least one laterally inside post. The apparatus also includesat least one end retaining bracket pivotably and translatably mounted tothe at least one laterally inside post between open and closedpositions, and at least one side retaining bracket pivotably andtranslatably mounted to the at least one laterally outside post betweenopen and closed positions.

This invention also pertains to a cargo apparatus including a base, anda first plurality of structural members pivotably and translatablymounted to the base and being adapted to fold to a first level closedposition. The apparatus also includes a second plurality of structuralmembers pivotably and translatably mounted to the base laterally outsideof the first plurality of structural members. The second plurality ofstructural members is adapted to fold to a second level closed positionover top of the first plurality of structural members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of this invention willbe apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims andaccompanied drawings in which;

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention that is shown in combination with abed of a pick-up truck;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled apparatus ofFIG. 2, wherein an end bracket and divider bracket are folded to aclosed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled apparatus ofFIG. 3, wherein side brackets are folded to a closed position atop theend bracket and divider bracket;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled closedapparatus of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled and closedapparatus of FIG. 5, wherein side brackets are latched together;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a mounting bracket of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the mounting bracket of the apparatus of FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a T-pin of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG.2, taken along line 10-10;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket of the apparatus of FIG.1, taken along line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the bracket of the apparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmented end view of an apparatus according to analternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a side bracketis shown folded closed over top of an end bracket folded closed againsta base;

FIG. 14 is a fragmented top view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, whereinthe end bracket is shown folded open and positioned upright and fullyseated and the side bracket is shown folded open and interlocked to theend bracket; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmented end view of the apparatus of FIG. 14, whereinthe end bracket is shown folded open and positioned upright and fullyseated and the side bracket is shown folded open, fully upwardlyextended, and being moved downwardly to interlock with the end bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

Cargo is defined as any goods or other items for transport.

Container is a receptacle, such as a box or jar, for holding goods orother items.

Base is defined as a foundational structural element for supportingother elements.

Post means a piece of material fixed in an upright position; especiallyas a stay or support.

Bracket means a structural member that serves, at least partially, as awall of a container.

Pivot, pivotable, pivotably, and the like mean the angular or rotationalmovement of a thing independent of any translational movement of thething.

Translate, translatable, translatably, and the like mean the straight orlinear movement of a thing independent of any rotational movement of thething.

Distal is a spatially relative term meaning located away from the pointof attachment or origin of a body; especially of the body. Compareantonym proximal.

Proximal is a spatially relative term meaning located next to or nearerthe point of attachment or origin of a body; especially located towardthe center of the body. Compare antonym distal.

Mesial is a spatially relative term meaning located between a distal orproximal location; especially located equidistantly from both the distaland proximal locations.

Lateral means of or relating to the side; situated on, directed toward,or coming from the side; or extending from side to side, e.g. lateralaxis of an airplane.

Longitudinal means placed or running lengthwise; or relating to lengthor the lengthwise dimension.

Turning now to the drawings in the case.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cargo apparatus 10according to an embodiment of the present invention that is shown, forexemplary purposes only, in combination with a bedliner B of a pick-uptruck T. It is contemplated, however, that the apparatus 10 could beused with any type of transportation apparatus such as a car, van, boat,airplane, or the like. The cargo apparatus 10 may be attached to thebedliner B by any desired fastening means of any kind, such as nuts andbolts, Velcro® hook and loop patches 12, 14 as shown, or the like. It iscontemplated, however, that the apparatus 10 could be freely locatedwithin the bedliner B of the pick-up truck T between wheel wells W. Itis also contemplated that the base 16, and perhaps other components ofthe apparatus 10, could be integrated with the bedliner B. In any case,the cargo apparatus 10 includes a base 16 for supporting a plurality ofoutside and inside posts 18, 20 thereof that pivotably and translatablycooperate with side E-shaped retaining brackets 22 and end C-shapedretaining brackets 24 by way of a plurality of mounting brackets 26. Thevarious components of the apparatus 10 are preferably composed ofgalvanized steel for corrosion resistance, but may be composed of anyother types of materials such as plastic or bare steel.

The base 16 provides a means for supporting, locating, and handling therest of the apparatus 10. The base 16 is preferably rectangular inshape, including opposed sides 28, 28′, opposed ends 30, 30′, corners 32defined by the sides 28, 28′ and ends 30, 30′, and a top surface 34. Thebase 16 longitudinally extends from one end 30 to the other, andlaterally extends from one side 28 to the other. The base 16 is providedwith a thickness that is preferably adequate enough to provide rigidsupport for handling the apparatus 10 in an unloaded condition. Forexample, the base 16 could be composed of about ¼″ thick galvanizedsteel plate. For ease of handling and positioning the apparatus 10,integral handles 36 are provided at the ends 30. The handles 36 arenecessary because without such handled 36 one could not grasp andmanipulate the entire apparatus 10 by the various individual brackets22, 24, because such brackets 22, 24 would become unseated and collapse.

The posts 18, 20 of the base 16 are preferably integrally attached tothe top surface 34 of the base 16, such as by welding or the like. Ifthe apparatus 10 is composed of a plastic material, then the posts 18,20 may be injection molded to integrally extend from the top surface 34of the base 16. In any case, the plurality of outside posts 18 includesan outside post 18 at each corner 32 of the base 16 and an outside post18 centered longitudinally along each side 28 of the base 16, as shown.Accordingly, a first set of outside posts 18 is defined along one side28 of the base 16 and an opposed, second set of outside posts 18 aredefined along the other side 28′ of the base 16. Similarly, theplurality of inside posts 20 include posts 20 positioned just laterallyinside of respective opposed outside posts 18 of the opposed first andsecond sets of outside posts 18. Accordingly, two pairs of inside posts20 are positioned at the ends 30, 30′ of the base 16 and one pair ispositioned at a center location midway along the length of the base 16and just inside the respective center outside posts 18, as shown. Theoutside posts 18 are preferably taller than the inside posts 20 by anamount that is about equal to the width of the legs 38, 44 of thebrackets 22, 24, thereby facilitating compact, multi-levelcollapsibility of the apparatus 10, as will be further discussed below.

The opposed side E-shaped brackets 22 (only one bracket is shown forclarity) include laterally spaced support legs 38 that are connected bya common retaining bar 40 integrally extending across the tops of thelegs 38. Opposite of the retaining bar 40, the legs 38 terminate inmounting ends 42 that are assembled through the mounting brackets 26,which function to pivotably and translatably mount the legs 38 of theE-shaped retaining brackets 22 to their respective posts 18, as will bedescribed in further detail below.

The plurality of C-shaped brackets 24 includes first, second, and thirdC-shaped brackets 24. (The second or divider bracket is omitted forclarity). Each bracket 24 includes support legs 44 that are connected bya common retaining bar 46 integrally extending across the tops of thelegs 44. Opposite of the retaining bar 46, the legs 44 terminate inmounting ends 48 that are assembled through the mounting brackets 26,which pivotably and translatably mount the legs 44 of the retainingbrackets 24 to their respective posts 20, as will be described infurther detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 1, each of the C-shaped and E-shaped bracketspreferably includes one or more panels 50 mounted in the spaces orapertures defined between the legs 38, 44 of the brackets 22, 24. Thepanels 50 are preferably composed of a rigid material, such asPlexiglas®, or the like. Each panel 50 includes cutouts 52 therein toaccommodate clearance for the mounting brackets 26. It is alsocontemplated that a flexible material could be substituted for the rigidpanel material such as canvas, vinyl, netting, or the like. In any case,the function of the panels 50 is to provide a retaining or restrainingmeans for cargo items placed within the confines of the apparatus 10.The panels 50 may be fastened, glued, or otherwise attached to theretaining brackets 22, 24 in any desired manner.

The retaining brackets 22, 24 all pivot from a closed position, as shownin FIG. 5, to an open position, as shown here in FIG. 1, to define anopen container. Each of the posts 18, 20 preferably includes a roundedportion 54 for facilitating pivoting of respective legs 38, 44 ofrespective retaining brackets 22, 24 thereover. The divider bracket (notseparately shown here for clarity) opens to divide the open containerinto two smaller containers. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 can be usedto organize and retain cargo items therein. It is contemplated that anynumber of divider brackets 24 could be used to divide the peripheralboundaries of the apparatus 10 into two or more sub-containers.

As depicted by FIG. 11, each of the C-shaped retaining brackets 24 ispreferably formed from commercially available structural tube-stock, andthe same applies to the E-shaped brackets (not shown here).Alternatively, the retaining brackets 24 could be solid or hollowcomponents that are injection molded from plastic. Also, as depicted inFIG. 12, some of the brackets 24 preferably include latches 56 pivotablymounted to the ends or retaining bars 46 thereof, as will be discussedfurther below.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each mounting bracket 26 includes a collarportion 58 that circumscribes the outside of the leg of its respectiveretaining bracket (not shown here). Fastening flanges 60 of the mountingbracket 26 extend axially from one side of the collar portion 58 andinclude slots 62 therethrough that facilitate pivoting and translatingof the respective retaining bracket with respect to its respective post(not shown here). The mounting brackets 26 are preferably stamped frommetal such as galvanized steel plate, but may also be injection moldedfrom plastic, cast or machined from any metal, or the like. The collars58 of the mounting brackets 26 are preferably fixed to their respectiveretaining brackets (not shown here) such as by welding, bolting, or thelike. Where the mounting brackets 26 and retaining brackets are producedby injection molding, the two components could be integrally moldedtogether. Moreover, it is contemplated that the function of the mountingbrackets 26 could be substituted for integral features formed into theposts and retaining brackets (not shown), such as slots in the retainingbrackets that cooperate with a pin extending through such slots andthrough opposed walls of the respective posts (not shown here).

FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate perspective views of a portion of theassembled apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, in various states of being collapsedfrom an open condition to a closed, collapsed condition. In FIG. 2, thedivider bracket 24 is shown in an unlocked position wherein the legs 44of the bracket 24 have been translated up and out of their respectiveposts 20 and are ready to be pivoted to a closed position. In otherwords, the leg 44 has been translated up to a distal position withrespect to the post 20. In contrast, the leg 44 of one of the endbrackets 24 is shown in its locked position, proximal with respect toits respective post 20. Accordingly, the leg 44 may be moved down andup, or in and out of its respective post 20 from a position distal thepost to a position proximal the post and across any mesial positionstherebetween.

For example, FIG. 10 depicts a representative leg 44 of a retainingbracket 24 mounted within a respective post 20 such that the leg 44 isin a position that is vertically proximal with respect to the post 20.An outside perimeter 64 of the leg 44 fits loosely but closely within aninside perimeter 66 of the post 20. Accordingly, each leg 44 is rigidlysupported in an upright manner within its respective post 20 so as toprovide a stable and rigid overall structure of the apparatus 10. Themounting bracket 26 and, thus, the retaining bracket 24, are pivotablyand translatably mounted to the post 20 by a T-shaped pin 68 thatextends through the slot 62 of the mounting bracket 26 and an upperportion of the post 20. The T-shaped pin 68 is detailed in FIG. 9 andincludes a flat head 70 and a threaded body portion 72 extendingtherefrom. Referring again to FIG. 10, the T-shape of the fastener 68permits easy assembly and disassembly of the mounting bracket 26 fromthe post 20 wherein the flat head 70 is suitably sized and can belongitudinally oriented with respect to the slot 62 so that the flangeportions 60 of the mounting bracket 26 can be flexed laterally outwardlywherein the flat head 70 may pass freely through the slot 62. The abovedescription applies not only to the C-shape brackets 24 and respectiveposts 20, but also applies to the E-shaped brackets and respective posts(not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 3, the end and divider brackets 24 have beentranslated out of their respective posts 20 and subsequently pivotedtoward one another to their closed and collapsed state. One of thebrackets 24 includes the pivotably mounted latch 56 that latches to apin 74 on the other of the brackets 24 to keep the brackets 24 fromopening up, as better depicted in FIG. 6. Referring again to FIG. 3,once all of the C-shaped end and divider brackets 24 are fullycollapsed, then the E-shaped side brackets 22 can be collapsed over topthereof. Accordingly, the inside posts 20 are provided with a shorterheight than the outside posts 18 to permit the C-shaped end and dividerbrackets 24 to be folded to a flat first level. FIG. 4 illustrates theE-shaped side brackets 22 folded flat to a collapsed state over the endand center brackets 24, thereby defining a second level. Like the endand divider brackets 24, the side brackets 22 must first be translatedup and out of their respective posts 18 and then pivoted closed.Finally, FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus 10 in a fully collapsed state,wherein the latches 56 keep the brackets 22, 24 from opening up fromtheir closed or collapsed state. Preferably, the overall thickness orheight of the entire collapsed apparatus 10 is about two inches or lessfor compact storage and to permit the cargo compartment, or truck bed,to be used in the presence of the collapsed organizer apparatus 10.

FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate a cargo apparatus 110 according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. Most of the componentsand features of this embodiment are similar to or the same as thosecomponents and features of the previously described embodiments.Accordingly, only portions of the apparatus 110 are depicted and onlythe significant differences over the previous embodiments will bediscussed in detail here. Moreover, like numerals depict like componentsbetween the various embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates a fragmented endview of the cargo apparatus 110 having a base plate 116 for supportingan outside post 118 and an inside post 120, wherein a side, E-shapedbracket 122 is shown folded closed over top of an end, C-shaped bracket124 that is folded closed against the base 116. FIG. 14 is a fragmentedtop view of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 13, wherein the end bracket 124 isshown folded open and positioned upright and fully seated within itssupport posts (not shown), and the side bracket 122 is shown folded openand interlocked to the end bracket 124 by integral latches 180 of theside bracket 122 that engage integral lugs 182 of the end bracket 124.FIG. 15 is a fragmented end view of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 14,wherein the end bracket 124 is shown folded open and positioned uprightand fully seated within its support posts (not shown), and the sidebracket 122 is shown folded open to an obtuse angle depicted by hiddenlines, and is also shown folded open to an upright upwardly extendedposition in solid lines, wherein the side bracket 122 is in a positionto be moved in a downward direction to interlock the integral latches180 with the integral lugs 182 of the end bracket 124.

Referring again to FIG. 13, a flat “slide guide” mounting bracket 126 isretained to one leg 138 of the side bracket 122 by a T-shaped pin 168that is attached to the leg 138, and is retained to the outside post 118by a fastener 169 such as a bolt or machine screw that is attached tooutside post 118. Although only one side is shown, both sides of eachleg 138 of each side bracket 122 include an individual T-shaped pin 168and a corresponding individual slide guide mounting bracket 126. Eachmounting bracket 126 includes a slot 162 that permits the side bracket122 to be pivoted about the fastener 169 and translated with respectthereto, to the extent of the length of the slot 162. In other words,the T-shaped pin 168 and mounting bracket 126 are provided on oppositesides of each leg 138 and allow for sliding movement back-and-forth.When mounting each slide guide mounting bracket 126 to its respectiveleg 138, the bracket 126 is first oriented vertically such that the headof the T-shaped pin 168 passes freely through the slot 162 of thebracket 126. Then, the bracket 126 is pivoted clock-wise and a head ofthe fastener 169 is allowed to pass through the slot 162 of the bracket126. This design allows for pivotable and translatable movement betweenthe bracket 122 and the support post 118 and an easily attachablepermanent connection to eliminate the possibility of lost parts.Accordingly, from its closed flat position as shown, the side bracket122 can be pivoted in a clockwise direction, as depicted by the arcuatedirectional arrow, to a fully open position and at an obtuse angle withrespect to the base 116—which is depicted in hidden line in FIG. 15.Still referring to FIG. 13, the end bracket 124 can also be pivoted fromits closed flat position, as shown, to a fully upright position as shownin FIGS. 14 and 15.

Referring now to FIG. 15, once the end bracket 124 is pivoted to itsfully upright position as shown here, then the mounting end (not shown)of each leg 144 can be inserted and seated within its respective supportpost (not shown)—as fully described in the previous embodiments.Thereafter, and still referring to FIG. 15, the side bracket 122 can bepivoted in a counter-clockwise direction—as depicted by the rotationaldirectional arrow—from its fully open and obtuse position as shown inhidden lines, to a fully upwardly extended position as shown in solidlines, such that the integral latch 180 clears over top of a retainingbar 146 and integral lug 182 of the end bracket 124. Then, from thisfully upright and extended position, the side bracket 122 can belinearly translated in a downward direction—as depicted by the downwardpointing arrow—and toward its support post (not shown). Referring now toFIG. 13, a mounting end 142 of the side bracket 122 has an outerperimeter 164 of reduced size that fits within an inner perimeter 166 ofthe outside post 118. Finally, as shown in FIG. 14, after the sidebracket 122 is dropped down into its support posts (not shown), theintegral latches 180 interengage with the integral lugs 182 of the endbracket 124. Thus, the integral latches 180 and integral lugs 182cooperate to provide stability at the top of the cargo apparatus 110,while the interfitting mounting ends and support posts (not shown)provide stability at the bottom.

To reiterate the assembly procedure, there are four basic steps. First,from their closed flat positions, the side brackets 22, 122 are liftedand pivoted to a fully open and slightly outward or obtuse orientation.Next, from their closed flat positions, the end and center brackets 24,124 are lifted to a fully open and upright position and the lowermounting ends thereof are fitted and fully seated down within theirrespective support posts 20, 120. Then, the side brackets 22, 122 arepivoted back slightly to a fully upright and linearly extended position.Finally, the side brackets 22, 122 are lowered such that lower mountingends thereof are fitted and fully seated down within their respectivesupport posts 18, 118, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, such thatthe integral latches 180 interengage over the integral lugs 182 of thecenter and end brackets.

While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presentlypreferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intendedherein to mention all of the possible equivalent forms or ramificationsof the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merelydescriptive rather than limiting and that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.

1. A cargo apparatus comprising: a base having at least one end and atleast one side, the at least one end having at least one laterallyinside post extending therefrom, the at least one side having at leastone laterally outside post extending therefrom, wherein the at least onelaterally outside post is positioned laterally outside with respect tothe at least one laterally inside post; at least one end retainingbracket pivotably and translatably mounted to the at least one laterallyinside post between open and closed positions; and at least one sideretaining bracket pivotably and translatably mounted to the at least onelaterally outside post between open and closed positions.
 2. The cargoapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least the base may be integrated with abedliner of a vehicle.
 3. The cargo apparatus of claim 1 wherein thebase includes hook and loop fastener material thereunder for fasteningthe apparatus to another object.
 4. The cargo apparatus of claim 1wherein the posts have internal peripheries into which fits respectiveouter peripheries of the respective retaining brackets.
 5. The cargoapparatus of claim 4 wherein the posts are composed of square tubestock.
 6. The cargo apparatus of claim 1 wherein the posts includerounded portions thereon to facilitate pivoting of the respectiveretaining brackets with respect thereto.
 7. The cargo apparatus of claim1 further comprising mounting brackets interposed between the retainingbrackets and the respective posts.
 8. The cargo apparatus of claim 7further comprising T-shaped fasteners extending through slots in themounting brackets and into the posts.
 9. The cargo apparatus of claim 1further comprising latches attached to one or more of the retainingbrackets to lock the retaining brackets in a closed, collapsed state.10. The cargo apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one latchextending from a portion of the at least one side retaining bracket,said at least one latch interengaging with at least one lug of acorresponding one of the at least one end retaining bracket to providestability to the cargo apparatus in an open position.
 11. The cargoapparatus of claim 1 further comprising panels attached to the retainingbrackets.
 12. A cargo apparatus comprising: a base; a first plurality ofstructural members pivotably and translatably mounted to the base, saidfirst plurality of structural members being adapted to fold to a firstlevel closed position; and a second plurality of structural memberspivotably and translatably mounted to the base laterally outside of saidfirst plurality of structural members, said second plurality ofstructural members being adapted to fold to a second level closedposition over top of said first plurality of structural members.
 13. Thecargo apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least the base may be integratedwith a bedliner of a vehicle.
 14. The cargo apparatus of claim 12wherein the base includes hook and loop fastener material thereunder forfastening the apparatus to another object.
 15. The cargo apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the structural members are composed of square tubestock.
 16. The cargo apparatus of claim 12 further comprising latchesattached to one or more of the structural members to lock the structuralmembers in a closed, collapsed state.
 17. The cargo apparatus of claim12 further comprising at least one latch extending from a portion of thefirst plurality of structural members, said at least one latchinterengaging with at least one lug of a corresponding one of the secondplurality of structural members to provide stability to the cargoapparatus in an open position.
 18. The cargo apparatus of claim 12further comprising panels attached to the pluralities of structuralmembers.
 19. A cargo apparatus comprising: a base having at least oneend and at least one side, with the at least one end having at least onelaterally inside post extending therefrom, and with the at least oneside having at least one laterally outside post extending therefrom; atleast one end bracket and at least one side bracket are pivotably andtranslatably mounted to the base, wherein the brackets each have atleast one support leg with a mounting end, wherein the mounting endpivotably mounts to its respective post on the base between open andclosed positions and also translatably mounts to its respective postbetween an unlocked position distal the post and a locked positionproximal the post, whereby the apparatus is collapsible to a closedportable position, and is foldable to an open position.
 20. The cargoapparatus of claim 19 wherein at least the base may be integrated with abedliner of a vehicle.